More Predatore As Season Progresses?

[Gwynne]

I was lucky enough to find five 4th or fifth instar caterpillars at the end of June. Now when I go to the milkweed patch, I am finding little babies, but nothing bigger. I am finding more and more predators. There have always been some, such as spiders, and different kinds of bugs I cant name. Now I am seeing ants and the other day I saw a wasp. I can go into the patch and see about 8 or 10 different insects but dont know which ones are predators. I guess this might be why I am not seeing bigger caterpillars. But I am wondering if the majority of predators come around July or later and that is why I was able to find such large caterpillars earlier in the season. Anyone have any experience with that?

I now also have a spider living in my bathroom. Since I am bringing in so many bugs, I am debating about letting him stay. I know they eat caterpillars, but my caterpillars are two rooms away. He would have to walk forty feet then figure out hot to lift the lid of the aquairum and that lid is really tricky!

[Fedofairy]

I'm also noticing that in my garden, medium sized catapillars are disapearing, so I've begun to bring hatchlings inside to rear.